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Football

09th Aug 2022

Ismaila Sarr scores from own half but misses a penalty in Watford draw

Simon Lloyd

A strong contender for goal of the season

What are we, a couple of weeks in? The season may have only just started, but Ismaila Sarr has produced a strong contender for goal of the season as Watford drew at West Brom on Monday night.

Relegated from the Premier League last season, the Hornets began the new Championship season with a home victory over Sheffield United at the start of the month. And on Monday night, they got off to a decent start at The Hawthorns – taking the lead with little over ten minutes played.

sarr scores from own half

The goal came courtesy of Sarr, whose quick thinking and perfect execution saw him score from inside his own half.

The Senegal international brought down a headed clearance from one of his teammates down a few yards from the halfway line with his back to goal. Affording himself a second touch to push the ball out of his feet, he turned and drilled the ball goal-wards.

West Brom goalkeeper David Button had been on the edge of his area when Sarr took possession of the ball. His desperate attempted to scramble back towards his goal line were futile, with the ball drifting over his head, bouncing once and nestling inside the empty goal.

Though a goal worthy of winning any game, it wasn’t enough for Watford to take all three points. Two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half, West Brom drew level through Karlan Grant.

Though Watford were on the back foot for much of the second half, Sarr looked set to win them the game for his side with 15 minutes remaining – going down under pressure from Semi Ajayi inside the area to win a penalty.

Despite having scored from halfway earlier in the game, Sarr wasn’t able to convert from 12 yards, with Button able to save the spot kick.

The game finished 1-1. Watford now sit fourth after playing two games, with West Brom down in 14th after consecutive draws.

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